Polio prevention is available through either an inactive or oral polio vaccine. This eMedTV page explains the differences between the two types and describes a typical vaccination schedule for children. A brief history of the disease is also included.
Oral polio vaccine, which contains live but weakened poliovirus, helped rid the United States of polio. As this eMedTV page explains, however, its use in the United States has been discontinued. This page includes statistics on the vaccine's effect.
The most common side effect of the polio vaccine is irritability. This eMedTV page gives a list of other possible polio vaccine side effects, including serious side effects such as trouble breathing, hoarseness, or wheezing.
As this eMedTV article explains, vaccine-derived poliovirus (a strain of poliovirus initially contained in the live oral polio vaccine) can cause polio in unvaccinated people. This page offers a look at the occurrence and transmission of this virus.
As this eMedTV page explains, vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis is a rare adverse reaction following vaccination with the live oral polio vaccine. This page describes this condition and explains how the paralysis it causes may be permanent.
Some people, such as those who are allergic to certain antibiotics, should avoid the polio vaccine. As this eMedTV page explains, other people (such as those who are very ill) should simply wait. This page describes polio vaccine precautions.
